SpaceX launches satellites for easier access to internet
November 13, 2019SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched on 11th November, with a mission to deliver 60 Starlink satellites to space. It’s first stage also supported the Iridium-7, SAOCOM-1A, and Nusantara Satu missions while the fairing was previously flown on Flacon Heavy’s Arabsat-6A mission that took place earlier this year.
This system of satellites, are part of SpaceX’s programme of developing a low latency, broadband internet system. Starlink will provide fast and reliable internet to populations with little or no connectivity. It will also benefit people in areas where existing internet services are far too expensive or unreliable.
Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/Rz6Y4EnEnM
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 11, 2019
Fairing has deployed—second time for this particular fairing pic.twitter.com/FdDIAGcHqI
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 11, 2019
The Starlink satellites were deployed at an altitude of 280km. In order to ensure mission success, SpaceX engineers conducted data reviews of the satellites operations. Once they were confirmed to be operational, the satellites used their on-board thrusters to move into their intended orbits.
Falcon 9 first stage has landed on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship – the fourth launch and landing of this booster pic.twitter.com/qQvH7pwMDO
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 11, 2019
While this was happening, and following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage returned to earth and landed successfully on the “Of Course I Still Love you” droneship. It was stationed 45 minutes away from the liftoff site, in the Atlantic Ocean. The two fairings halves will be recovered by two separate vessels, Ms. Tree and Ms. Chief.
Starlink is targeted to offer service to parts of the US and Canada after six launches. It plans to extend its reach to global consumers after 25 successful satellite launches. In doing so, this will allow SpaceX to provide service in an area that has very few players. But the impact will be substantial, both to the company and people with poor access to the internet.
Photo Credit: SpaceX official Photos
